Humidty Won't Increase in Brinsea Mini Advance!

[msiler]

I am in lockdown now for 3 chicken eggs with my Brinsea Mini Advance 2 incubator, and guess what? Just like last time, humidity will not increase beyond 40%!!!!!! They are set to hatch on Tuesday. If I lose these chicks I am going to be beyond irritated.
I know both chamber pots are filled to the max.
I have a paper towel pushed into the chamber pot cover (per the recommendation of a Brinsea specialist)
I also have both air holes blocked off (again, recommended by the Brinsea specialist).
But, the humidity will not rise past 40%.
What are some suggestions? I would really like to avoid opening the lid because I read opening it for even a few seconds is enough to shrink wrap a chick. but if necessary I will.
Any and all tips are appreciated!!

 

[MysteryChicken]

I am in lockdown now for 3 chicken eggs with my Brinsea Mini Advance 2 incubator, and guess what? Just like last time, humidity will not increase beyond 40%!!!!!! They are set to hatch on Tuesday. If I lose these chicks I am going to be beyond irritated.
I know both chamber pots are filled to the max.
I have a paper towel pushed into the chamber pot cover (per the recommendation of a Brinsea specialist)
I also have both air holes blocked off (again, recommended by the Brinsea specialist).
But, the humidity will not rise past 40%.
What are some suggestions? I would really like to avoid opening the lid because I read opening it for even a few seconds is enough to shrink wrap a chick. but if necessary I will.
Any and all tips are appreciated!!

Maybe misting the inside of the incubator with a mist bottle might help.

 

[msiler]

Maybe misting the inside of the incubator with a mist bottle might help.

Misting it when I need to open it or just in general?

 

[MysteryChicken]

Misting it when I need to open it or just in general?

You have to open it to mist the inside. Opening the incubator just for a couple seconds won't shrink wrap them, it's not instant shrinkage when the incubator is opened once, or twice.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Warm wet sponges work great! Just don't let them touch the eggs.

 

[Phunktacular]

If the hygrometer is accurate, 40% relative humidity shouldn't dramatically effect the eggs, anyway. What effects your numbers most is that you're only trying to hatch 3 eggs at a time. If you've been watching and candling them regularly and growth has appeared to be fine, you should also be fine with the hatch. I'd stop stressing about it.

 

[WickedChicksNH]

I am in lockdown now for 3 chicken eggs with my Brinsea Mini Advance 2 incubator, and guess what? Just like last time, humidity will not increase beyond 40%!!!!!! They are set to hatch on Tuesday. If I lose these chicks I am going to be beyond irritated.
I know both chamber pots are filled to the max.
I have a paper towel pushed into the chamber pot cover (per the recommendation of a Brinsea specialist)
I also have both air holes blocked off (again, recommended by the Brinsea specialist).
But, the humidity will not rise past 40%.
What are some suggestions? I would really like to avoid opening the lid because I read opening it for even a few seconds is enough to shrink wrap a chick. but if necessary I will.
Any and all tips are appreciated!!

In the cooler weather I have found a wet face cloth in the incubator works great it brought my humidity right up, I also have covered my incubator with a blanket to keep the humidity in
I keep my eye on it and take the blanket off if needed

 

[msiler]

If the hygrometer is accurate, 40% relative humidity shouldn't dramatically effect the eggs, anyway. What effects your numbers most is that you're only trying to hatch 3 eggs at a time. If you've been watching and candling them regularly and growth has appeared to be fine, you should also be fine with the hatch. I'd stop stressing about it.

Thank you! It only holds 7, and I am doing a staggered hatch so hopefully that will help. What is the humidity that you prefer?

In the cooler weather I have found a wet face cloth in the incubator works great it brought my humidity right up, I also have covered my incubator with a blanket to keep the humidity in
I keep my eye on it and take the blanket off if needed

Thank you! I may have to try that!!

 

[Phunktacular]

I incubate at around 45% and hatch at about 55%. However, I've read several items that would conclude that 40% humidity isn't going to cause much loss. Several articles I've read states they don't regulate humidity, at all. Just let the eggs do what they may and have great success.

 

[Mixed flock enthusiast]

I have the economy version of this, with no turner. Even with both wells filled, I had a hard time keeping the humidity up at lockdown until I covered the hole meant to hold the turner, plus put a damp sponge on a plastic lid into the incubator. Good luck with your hatch!!!